External Relations

In recent developments, the military governments of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso have made significant announcements regarding their international affiliations. Each country has formally declared its withdrawal from the International Organisation of Francophonie (OIF), following their earlier exits from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), a transition that took place in January of this year. Such strategic moves raise questions about the broader implications for regional stability and international…

The tapestry of violence in Northern Nigeria has been woven over years, marked by threads of despair and turmoil. The infamous Boko Haram, a militant group that seeks to impose its strict interpretation of Islamic law, has terrorized communities with their relentless campaign. Alongside them, a persistent strife rages between predominantly Muslim Fulani herdsmen and largely Christian farming communities. This volatile clash, driven by factors ranging from land disputes to ethnic tensions, has contributed to the tragic loss…

The landscape of global migration is continually evolving, and recent developments have stirred a considerable discussion regarding U.S. entry policies. Reports indicate that the federal government is contemplating new restrictions aimed at citizens from over 40 countries, with a significant emphasis on nations within Africa. What does this mean for international relations and the individuals impacted? This proposal delineates countries into three distinct categories based on perceived security risks and governmental…

A revealing study published in The Lancet has illuminated a staggering surge in type 2 diabetes rates across sub-Saharan Africa, far beyond what was earlier anticipated. This research is not merely a collection of statistics; it highlights a troubling trend that poses significant health risks for millions. What drives this epidemic? The answer lies in a confluence of poor dietary choices, inadequate access to health care, rising obesity rates, and increasingly sedentary lifestyles. Tracking over 10,000 participants from…

The recent decision to expel Ebrahim Rasool, South Africa's Ambassador to the U.S., has stirred considerable discussion about the nature of diplomacy and international relations. This action, taken by the Trump administration, follows comments the ambassador allegedly made during a meeting held in Johannesburg. Such events, which may seem to be just political maneuvers, often have far-reaching consequences. In a terse post on X (previously known as Twitter), U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio declared that Rasool is "no…

A significant setback has recently impacted an innovative initiative spearheaded by a team of dedicated researchers—individuals who have already made remarkable strides in deepening our comprehension of HIV. This project, uniting experts from eight diverse African nations under the banner of the BRILLIANT Consortium, finds itself in jeopardy due to a controversial shift in U.S. government aid policies. Why does funding for such essential research fluctuate with political currents? The plight of scientific inquiry often seems…

On March 9, 2015, the world bore witness to the eerie silence surrounding the plight of Itai Dzamara, a courageous human rights activist and journalist. Now, a decade has passed since his chilling disappearance, and the outcry for accountability echoes louder than ever within Zimbabwe. Each day that stretches into the next, pressure builds on the ruling Zanu PF government to illuminate what truly happened on that fateful day. Dzamara's case is more than just an unsolved mystery; it is a haunting symbol of the struggles…

In a troubling development, the Africa Centers for Disease Control (Africa CDC) has raised alarms over the deteriorating situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The region, already grappling with a serious outbreak of mpox, has seen escalating violence that has tragically compelled over 600 patients to abandon their treatment centers. This situation illustrates a grim reality: healthcare accessibility can crumble under the weight of conflict. Mpox, a viral disease that manifests through severe skin…

A recent UN report has shed light on the alarming situation faced by Muslim communities and Sudanese refugees in the Southeast Central African Republic (CAR). Commissioned by the UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR) in conjunction with the UN peacekeeping mission, MINUSCA, this comprehensive inquiry has surfaced harrowing evidence of egregious human rights violations committed by various armed groups. The findings paint a grim picture: summary executions, acts of sexual violence, instances of torture, and treatment that can only…

In a surprising twist, the government of Lesotho expressed its profound dismay over a statement made by former U.S. President Donald Trump. During a recent address to Congress, he asserted that "nobody has ever heard of" Lesotho while discussing proposed budget cuts, which notably include $8 million earmarked for LGBTQI+ initiatives in the country. The reaction from Lesotho was swift and resolute. Foreign Affairs Minister Lejone Mpotjoane characterized Trump's comments as "shocking." He underscored the depth of the…